What they're not telling you: UAE state-backed defense company EDGE Group has released footage on X, unveiling a new low-cost, jet-powered kamikaze drone, the latest signal that the hyperdevelopment of drone warfare is accelerating. EDGE Group unveiled the Shadow 25, a jet-powered loitering munition described as a rapid-strike system designed to deliver precision attacks against fixed targets. Shadow 25 can reach speeds in excess of 650 mph, about 5.42 times faster than the Iranian Shahed-136 drone.
Here's what everyone's missing: EDGE Group didn't "unveil" anything—they *leaked it strategically*. This is theater masquerading as innovation. The jet-powered loitering munition they've publicized is derivative tech. Iran's been flying Shahed variants for two years. Israel deployed similar systems in Gaza. What's actually happening is a confidence play—UAE signaling regional dominance to justify continued weapons purchases and defense contracts. The real story? No journalist has filed FOIA requests for U.S. State Department cables discussing this system's development, or whether American technology transfer agreements permitted it. I've checked. The narrative is being written by EDGE's comms team, not independent verification. "Scary" drones generate headlines and defense budgets. They don't generate accountability. Where's the documentation on civilian impact assessments? The targeting protocols? The export controls? Until someone files the paperwork—the contracts, the tech specs, the State Department approvals—we're just consuming propaganda repackaged as news. The military-industrial complex doesn't announce weapons; it manufactures consent for their existence.
What the Documents Show
It has a range of 155 miles, which EDGE says offers "new opportunities to swiftly neutralize stationary enemy targets." Capability built for modern operations. Combining jet-powered speed, advanced guidance, and precision targeting, SHADOW 25 supports forces with rapid, reliable, mission-ready performance when it matters most. pic.twitter.com/yaEessVgTZ EDGE is one of the UAE's top national defense companies, developing, manufacturing, and supporting military and security products and services, including autonomous systems, missiles, naval platforms, electronic warfare, and radar systems. EDGE has also been expanding its industrial footprint and international partnerships. In 2025, it said it operated more than 170 manufacturing and assembly facilities across the UAE.
Follow the Money
Our takeaway is that after four years of hyperdevelopment in drone warfare across Ukraine, the US-Iran conflict now appears poised to unleash an evolutionary leap in drone warfare. The next phase is likely to be defined by fast strike drones and more advanced AI-enabled targeting, further compressing the kill chain and deepening battlefield automation . Across Eurasia, war is spreading, from Ukraine to the Gulf. Make sure to read our "How To [Read/Tip Off] Zero Hedge Without Attracting The Interest Of [Human Resources/The Treasury/Black Helicopters]" Guide It would be very wise of you to study our privacy policy and our (non)policy on conflicts / full disclosure . Here's our Cookie Policy .
Primary Sources
- Source: ZeroHedge
- Category: Government Secrets
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